Especially in a culture that is so driven by appearances, having a distinctive nose can be a nightmare for a teenager. The nose is prominent in the center of the face, and if it is large or considered misshapen, a teen’s self esteem and self confidence can plummet. In an increasing frequency, teens are rushing to mom and dad and asking for a “nose job”, otherwise known as rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is the most popular form of plastic surgery performed on teenagers, but does that mean you should allow your teen to have a nose job?
There are ways that teenagers can benefit from having rhinoplasty performed. The most notable reason would be that some teens need the surgery to correct a problem, such as a deviated septum, in order to breathe more easily through the nasal passages. In terms cosmetic advantages, there is a possibility that the procedure could help the teen socially. The truth is that teens are frequently bullied based on their appearance; you must determine if this is reason enough to seek surgical solutions.
Having the Right Motivations
The mental health of the teen is just as important as the physical health when determining if the minor is a suitable candidate for the surgery. The feelings of low self esteem being attributed to the appearance of the nose, may actually be caused by underlying mental health issues. If this is true, even after the surgery, the surgery expenses, the follow-up appointments, and the recovery process, the teen is still going to have the same mental health issues, even with a new nose. If the teen is legitimately being affected by restricted nasal passages, a noticeable deformity, or a previous nose injury, he or she may be a serious candidate for the procedure.
Having the Right Expectations
Before the final decision is made as to whether or not a teenager should undergo rhinoplasty, it is essential that he or she have reasonable expectations for the outcome of the surgery. As with any cosmetic procedures, there are limitations on what can be accomplished. In order to maintain a balanced and natural appearance, the surgery must be planned to work with the existing structures and characteristics of the face. If the teen is expecting a drastic transformation, he or she may be disappointed, and then desire an increasing number of future cosmetic procedures.
Understanding the Risks
While rhinoplasty is generally a relatively quick outpatient procedure, as with any surgery, there are risks involved. The teen could have a negative reaction the anesthesia, develop an infection, or experience bleeding. The initial surgery may not achieve the desired results, creating a need for a second or even third procedure.
Long Healing Process
The first few days of the rhinoplasty recovery process are certainly the worse, but the entire recovery can take a considerable amount of time. Throughout the first two to three days, the teen will need to wear a splint and could experience bruising, black eyes, nosebleeds, and swelling.
For the first couple weeks after the surgery, the teenager will need a lot of support and assistance from friends and family, as any active or difficult physical tasks are out of the question. If the teenager is a student, the surgery should not be scheduled during the school year, as the recovery process will disrupt the ability to attend school and study.
It can take several months before the swelling from the surgery subsides and the true results of the procedure can be appreciated. The decision to pursue rhinoplasty is a large and serious commitment. Parents should strongly consider whether or not the benefits of the surgery will be worth the physical, mental, financial, and emotional strain of the process.
If you have questions about rhinoplasty for teenagers contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a nose surgeon.
